(ANSA) - ROME, MARCH 10 - As the conflict in Syria enters the tenth year, UNICEF recalls that "the war in the country has left the lives and the future of a generation of children hanging by a thread. The situation for many children and their families remains precarious: about 90% of children are in need of humanitarian assistance, an increase of 20% compared to last year ".
The United Nations Children's Fund highlights the "terrible impact" of the war in Syria on children and their families: between 2011 and 2020 "about 12,000 children were killed or injured; more than 5,700 children - some as young as 7 years old - they were recruited in the fighting; more than 1,300 health and school structures and related staff were attacked ".
After stressing that in the last year, the average price of the food basket has increased by 230%, UNICEF recalls that "the reported numbers of children presenting symptoms of physical stress doubled in 2020 due to the continued exposure to violence, shock and trauma that have had a significant impact on children's mental health, short-term and long-term consequences. Over half a million children under 5 in Syria suffer from developmental delays due to chronic malnutrition. About 2.45 million children in Syria and another 750,000 Syrian children in the neighboring villages they do not go to school, 40% are girls and / or girls ".
"This cannot be just another sad anniversary, overshadowed by the international community, as children and families in Syria continue to struggle," said UNICEF Director General Henrietta Fore.
"Humanitarian needs cannot wait. The international community should make every effort to bring peace to Syria and urge support for children."
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